Applies to 2003-07 models built after September 2002

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Cadillac CTS was introduced in the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Cadillac Catera.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the CTS in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. In the first test, the airbag deployed too late for optimal head protection. This led Cadillac to modify the airbag crash sensors on models produced after September 2002 (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). The Institute tested a second CTS with the modified sensors, and the airbag inflated earlier.

Injury measures

In the second test, measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was negligible.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound in both tests, the dummy's head hit the roof rail.